Killer Whales Have Been Caught Sharing Preys with Humans

A group of researchers have reported a unique and fascinating kind of behaviour in killer whales (Orcinus orca) - they give fresh fish to people. They do not just run away in the wild as is the case with wildlife and instead, the whales usually hang about till they get a reaction from the human being before they take or give up their offering.

Rare Cross-Species Behaviour.

There were 34 confirmed reports of killer whales approaching humans under the water in at least five oceanic areas between 2004 and 2024, and presented prey to humans at least 15 metres offshore. The whales stopped 33 times apparently awaiting engagement before proceeding.

Types of Prey and Reactions

They included fish and invertebrates, birds and even seaweed. Other humans rejected, followed by a redirection of the food by whales to the members of the pod--recorded in 76% of such cases. It seems to be premeditated and socially oriented behaviour.

Intelligence and Social Dynamics.

Killer whales have a high brain to body ratio which promotes advanced learning and social cognition. Matriarchal leaders affect pod behaviour-curious leaders can promote human contact and wary ones will shun any.

Beyond Play

There was also some suggested play behaviour, but evidence shows that instead, there is exploratory social interaction. Adults and juveniles interacted with prey that was intact and it is clear that this was not only juvenile play, but also an intentional engagement.

Learning from Humans

Whales in some situations changed behaviour according to human reactions, e.g. repeating behaviour in response to prey returned: a form of adaptive learning. Scientists warn this may also be indicative of manipulative behavior because orcas are known to steal fish or destroy equipment to benefit.

Role of Citizen Science

The bulk of the data was generated by divers and fans, which shows how citizen science can be useful in recording unusual marine phenomena and supplementing scientific information in more conventional research.

Conservation implications.

Such interactions could help increase emotional bonds between people and whales, promoting conservation. But increased contact may cause changes in the behaviour of whales in any which way, making them friendlier or even hostile, depending on the dynamics of a pod.